Six months ago, Skilled nursing resident, Jean Schultz, shared a special birthday wish with KMBC 9 News. She wanted to make it to her 104th birthday. On October 11, 2026, that wish came true!
Not everyone gets to celebrate their 104th birthday, but then again, Jean Schultz isn’t just anyone!
On Saturday, October 10, family and friends gathered at Village Shalom, a senior living community in Overland Park, Kansas, to celebrate Jean’s remarkable milestone. Surrounded by love, laughter, and plenty of birthday wishes, Jean celebrated another year in a life filled with determination, resilience, and an unmistakable zest for living.
At 104 years young, among the Kansas City area’s extraordinary centenarians, with more than a century of history, cherished memories, and incredible experiences behind her. But as Jean continues to demonstrate, there’s still so much life to live!
Born in 1922, Jean has witnessed more than a century of remarkable change. Yet perhaps what’s most impressive isn’t how much history she’s seen, but the independence and determination she’s demonstrated throughout her own life.
As a young mother of three, Jean worked outside the home while her husband pursued his education through the GI Bill. At a time when working mothers faced different expectations, Jean balanced raising her family with a career in social work, dedicating much of her life to helping others.
That same independent spirit continues to define Jean today, inspiring those around her and reminding us that a person’s age is only one small part of their story.
One of the most inspiring things about Jean is that she didn’t even know how to swim before moving to Village Shalom!
At an age when many people might think their days of learning something new are behind them, Jean decided to give swimming a try. With the encouragement and support of Village Shalom Wellness Coach Valeriya “Val” Somova, Jean learned to swim at the remarkable age of 100.
What began as an opportunity to improve her strength and mobility became something she truly loved
But Jean’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Following a serious hospitalization and months of rehabilitation, she faced the difficult task of regaining her strength and mobility. Through it all, Jean had one goal in mind: getting back into the swimming pool.
With Val’s encouragement and her own incredible determination, Jean made her way back into the water.
Jean has even credited Val with helping her regain her strength, saying, “Val saved my life.”
Jean’s journey is a wonderful example of active aging and the importance of staying physically and socially engaged throughout our later years. Through personalized wellness programs and encouragement from a supportive community, residents at Village Shalom have opportunities to discover new interests, maintain their independence, and continue pursuing meaningful goals.
And Jean is living proof that it’s never too late to try something new!
Earlier this year, Jean’s inspiring story caught the attention of KMBC 9 News when she celebrated her 103½ birthday with a pool party at Village Shalom.
During the interview, Jean shared a very specific goal: she wanted to make it to her 104th birthday.
And here we are, six months later, celebrating that very milestone!
For Jean, reaching 104 is about more than adding another year to her life. It’s about continuing to enjoy the people she loves, the activities that bring her happiness, and the opportunities each new day brings.
Watch Jean’s inspiring 103½ birthday celebration on KMBC 9 News
Among the many thoughtful gestures celebrating Jean’s special day was a particularly heartwarming surprise from some young friends in the Kansas City community.
Students in Mrs. Peggy’s second-grade class at Scarborough Elementary School in Olathe, KS took time to create handmade birthday cards for Jean, complete with colorful drawings, sweet messages, and plenty of birthday wishes.
When the cards were presented to Jean, she was absolutely delighted. She loved every single one!
What a beautiful connection between generations — children just beginning their life journeys taking time to celebrate someone who has experienced more than a century of life.
A special thank-you to Mrs. Peggy and her wonderful students for helping make Jean’s birthday even more memorable. Your kindness brought so much joy to her celebration!
These meaningful intergenerational connections are another reminder that community, friendship, and simple acts of kindness can make a lasting difference at every age.
Saturday’s birthday celebration was about much more than turning 104. It was an opportunity for family and friends to honor a woman whose life has touched generations and whose determination continues to inspire everyone around her.
At Village Shalom in Overland Park, we believe growing older should never mean giving up opportunities to learn, grow, build friendships, or discover new passions. Through wellness programs, engaging activities, and meaningful connections, our senior living community encourages residents to continue living life with purpose.
Jean is a wonderful example of that philosophy.
She learned to swim at 100, overcame health challenges to return to the water, and set her sights on reaching 104.
And she did it!
Her story reminds us that some of life’s most meaningful accomplishments don’t happen when we’re young. Sometimes, they happen when we least expect them, with the encouragement of people who believe in us.
Jean, you set a goal, and you reached it! We couldn’t be happier to celebrate this incredible milestone with you.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, determination, and wonderful spirit with our Village Shalom family. And to the family, friends, and second graders who helped make this birthday so special, thank you for surrounding Jean with so much love.
At 104, Jean isn’t simply celebrating the years she’s lived. She’s reminding all of us that there’s still so much life to live.
And Jean, now that you’ve reached 104, we have just one question:
What’s your next goal?
Happy Birthday, Jean! Here’s to making more memories, finding new joys, and celebrating every moment!
Learn more about Skilled Nursing at Village Shalom or schedule a personal tour by contacting Anne Jankovic at [email protected] or call 913-266-8473.
